5 Ways to Prepare Your Child for Preschool

Going to preschool for the first time is exciting for a child, but it can also be very stressful. A child who is under the age of three doesn't always respond to change very well, and suddenly having to go to preschool can be tough even if your child has been in child care before. Preschool education centers and other preschool services do a lot to make the transition as smooth as possible, but there are still plenty of things you can do to prepare your child for this big change.

Plan Social Activities

Your child may have already had opportunities to socialize with other children, but socializing in a preschool environment can be very different. In fact, part of the reason why early education is so important is because it teaches children to communicate and socialize with their peers.

Very young children are used to being the center of attention, so pushing them into a situation like preschool can be a little overwhelming if they aren’t ready for it. Before you send your child to his or her first day of preschool, arrange some play dates and other social activities. It will give your child a chance to be around other children so that preschool isn’t too much of a shock

Visit a Childcare Center

You should definitely visit any school you’re considering for your child as part of your research, but that’s not what this tip is referring to. When we suggest visiting your child’s preschool, we mean taking your child and letting him or her play and explore. Let your child get used to this new setting while you’re still around. Let them get comfortable there so they know what to expect when they attend regularly.

Use Pretend Play

Children do much of their learning through play. Pretend play where your child is a student and you are a teacher can help your child get used to going to school. Act out common daily routines, read stories, play outside, take naps and basically do what is expected at a preschool, all under the guise of play. This will help your child get used to the idea of preschool and teach him or her that school is a fun and safe place to be.

Read to Your Child

Reading to your child is always a good way to teach listening skills, but it can also help them prepare for the more structured preschool environment. Read to your child every day in the weeks before beginning preschool. Ask them questions about what you just read to encourage critical thinking and listening skills, and try to get them used to sitting quietly and listening to a speaker. Preschool involves a lot of play, but it is still a learning environment, and your child should have an idea of what that means.

Address Their Concerns

Finally, address any concerns that your child may have about preschool. Remember that starting preschool is a big change in a child's life, and that can be scary. Reassure your child that their preschool is a safe environment, and answer any questions they may have.

Make a difference in your child’s continuing development and love of learning by enrolling your son or daughter in one of the award-winning preschool programs from Tender Care Learning Centers. Our nurturing teachers put their care into everything they do; creating a welcoming environment that focuses on developing your child’s social, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Visit a Tender Care Learning Centers location near you today, and let us work together to be an integral part of your child’s education.

Tender Care Accreditations

Tender Care is a Pennsylvania and Connecticut state-licensed child care and early childhood learning organization, an accredited member of NAEYC, PennAEYC, CAEYC, HAEYC, and PACCA, and is Keystone STARS rated.

NAEYC

Tender Care Learning Centers has committed to accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) as the measurement of our program excellence. NAEYC is the nation’s largest and most influential organization of early childhood educators, and is dedicated to improving programs for children from birth through third grade. NAEYC sets the standards for quality childcare and education in America, with an emphasis placed on the quality of interactions among teachers and children and the developmental appropriateness of the curriculum.

Keystone STARS

The Keystone STARS program validates what Tender Care Learning Centers have been doing for many years. Your child's Early Education is critical to his/her development and future success in school and life. Keystone STARS sets requirements for early childhood educators to promote the best learning environment and safest setting possible for your child. As a parent, feel confident your child is safe and respected, is learning new things every day, and is well prepared for future success in life.